Thread Restorer...............Rethreader............ Thread Chaser


Looking to buy a set, as I work on a lot of old stuff... Are these different names for the same tool? Or different tools? I have taps and dies, I understand these actually repair, or re-roll..so to speak, the material, never cutting away material..

 

They are all different names for the same tool, but I am not sure they all do the job in the same way though. I have always just used my tap & die set to do this job and I have never actually used these other tools. I think they came out with these tools because many people do not want to pay for a full tap and die set, but are willing to spend a fraction of the price on these thread chasers.

 

doesn't take up as much space in the tool box. But I use the tap and die set, too.

 

Depending on what you are working on, you might want to get a bottoming tap set to chase blind holes too.

 

Craftsman makes a decent set of thread chasers. It contains a variety of metric and standard sizes in a plastic case. Just be careful how much torque you apply. I broke one of them trying to clean up some badly damaged threads (I should have been using a tap) and of course they're not covered by the lifetime warranty. They are great for chasing threads in engine blocks since they aren't tapered like normal taps too.

 

Thread chasers aren't supposed to be sharp like taps. They are supposed to be more rounded, so instead of cutting material, they bend the threads back into shape.

 

Im assuming the Rethreader is what I should purchase?

Thanks...

Craftsman 40 pc. Tap and Die Set, Master Rethreader
Sears item #00952105000 Mfr. model #52105

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...+Purpose&pid=0 0952105000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes


Craftsman 48 pc. SAE & Metric Thread Restorer Kit
Sears item #00942275000 Mfr. model #971 2750

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...+Purpose&pid=0 0942275000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bolt-Out%2C+Taps+%26+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

 

I've got the 40 piece and it works great. Keep in mind that sometimes you do need a tap or a die if the threads are really bad. Such was the case where I snapped one of my rethreaders. It really is a great set though. I wish I would have bought it years ago.

 

is the 40 and the 48 set the same tool only more of them?

 

Same exact set except the 48pc has 4ea more metric taps and dies. If you don't use the metrics a lot, then I'd go with the 40pc set. They both have the same thread files.

There's a set on e-bay right now... http://cgi.ebay.com/CRAFTSMAN-40-PC-MASTER-THREAD-RESTORER-KIT-52105_W0QQitemZ170134244619QQihZ007QQcategoryZ303Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Thanks! /

 

Hmm. My "thread restorers" are more like files, with different thread cutter on each side, and end to end. They work great for really bunged threads, that are "in place", so that you can back the nut off. They literally restore the threads, especially in places where the die can't get.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=990-3074&PMPXNO=3011338&PARTPG=INLMK3

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=9691&group_ID=1149& store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I have 4 of them, both standard and metric.

The thread chaser works on the same principal, but does one thread at a time, and as was pointed out, is for re-rolling the thread. But, I've never seen one work worth a darn, plus, I don't see them working on hardened bolts.

I use a tap and die, for most chasing, but sometimes using a die or tap will take off more material than you really want. Also, I have a huge assortment of "bottom taps" - you follow a regular tap in a hole, and it takes the threads down to the bottom of the hole, instead of tapered, like regular taps.

R

 

I always called those thread files-

 

A good selection of heli coils will do the deed when these tools fail, Way better than filling and redrilling or drilling to the next size up, Which can make the part weaker.
The heli coil repair is usually more stronger than the original threads(especially in aluminum) Make sure to use the right drill bit, tap that comes with it and clean the hole with a non residue cleaner or at least alcohol you want the red locktite to adhere to the metal and the heli coil for a problem free repair. Be sure to use silver antisieze when the lock tite dries completely, so it doesn't stripout from corrosion in the future!!

 

I call mine "Bob", "Carol", "Ted" and "Alice"...

Kidding aside, they are called all kinds of names. I call mine thread files also, but if you are looking for them, they often come up as thread restorers. They really aren't. I use them specifically when taking a nut off, and the threads have been bunged up for some reason. It can often keep you from having to grind off a bolt, or worse, getting out the gas wrench. They are pretty much a "specialty" tool, and have limited uses, but I still find myself using them fairly often.

Spot on, on the helicoils!! Have used many, and your advice is exactly right!

R